This award-winning science handbook outlines all the details of the living books, nature study, science experiments, Bible verses, and additional assignments that one family used to study creation with all their elementary children together. (Grades 1–6)
“106 Days of Creation Studies is particularly well suited to families embarking upon a foundational year of formal science instruction. Can there be a sweeter way to begin science than exploring a breadth of subject matter pulled directly from the very creation of the world?”
Now you can combine all your grades 1–6 students for one exciting science study that lasts the whole year! 106 Days of Creation Studies has done all the research for you. Here are all the details of the living books, nature study, science experiments, and additional assignments that we used to save time and foster learning.
Saves Time—Combines all students, grades 1–6, in a family study.
Charlotte Mason in Its Approach—Incorporates Bible study, living books, hands-on experiments, nature study, and narration.
Scientific and Biblical—Covers the seven days of Creation in order, with scientific topics related to each day.
Fun—Gives instructions for each student to design and make a personal Creation notebook.
Comprehensive—Provides additional assignments for older students, including Book of Centuries entries and corresponding lessons from Considering God’s Creation (by Mortimer and Smith).
Are there hands-on activities to do with each chapter? I like that this year’s study seems to be an overview of all types of science!
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Sonya – :
It is a combination of hands-on activities, good books, nature study, and making a Creation notebook. The free sample should give you a good “taste” of what the lessons are like.
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lanette – :
do we use the exact same curriculum for 1-3rd grades? I did the whole curriculum for my first grader and just wondered if we just repeat.
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Sonya – :
I would recommend you move on to something different, Lanette. You might try one of Jeannie Fulbright’s science courses for elementary students.
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Joanna – :
I have one 4th grader and one 8th grader, and want to combine as much as possible. How would I do that with Science, choose something different??
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Sonya – :
Joanna, I don’t think I would recommend this study for an 8th grader. You might combine your children with a Jeannie Fulbright course (linked to in an above post). There are also several science courses mentioned in a recent science thread on our forum that might give you some more ideas.
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Noelle – :
I’m considering using 106 days of creation studies for 4 of my kids (grades 5, 3, 2, K). Does it matter which edition of Considering God’s Creation I would get? (I might be able to borrow it, but it wouldn’t be the revised edition.) Would each student (5th, 3rd) need their own corresponding workbook? Thanks for your help and I love the look of your science curriculum!
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Sonya – :
Each older student would need his or her own copy of Considering God’s Creation. The pages from the student book are used in each student’s Creation Notebook. About the only way you could share a book is if the older students worked together to make one Creation Notebook between them, I guess.
I’m afraid I haven’t seen the newer editions of CGC, so I don’t know whether they were significantly changed. The instructions in 106 Days correspond to the edition I had when we did the study. I haven’t heard from anyone that the instructions didn’t work with a newer edition, though, so I would think it would be fine.
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Nichole Wise – :
So I have looked at the sample pages and if we have done CGC (portions of it) then 106 Days of Creation would be a repeat of using CGC with some other ideas thrown in? If we have done CGC, would you recommend moving on to Jeanne Fulbright’s books for a 3rd grader? Or do you have any other reccommendations?
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Sonya – :
Yes, I think if you’ve already done Considering God’s Creation, go ahead and look at the Jeanne Fulbright books.
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Kim – :
I am interested in the 106 Days of Creation study. I am not sure if I should be supplementing with the complete program of CGC or just the workbook. What is your recomendation?
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Sonya – :
The lesson plans direct you to use pages from the student workbook, but you may want the teacher book also for the answers.
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Ann – :
We used Exploring God’s Creation through Astronomy last year. It was our first year with CM. I have a 10yo and a 13yo – basically 5th and 7th grade. I saw that this 106 Days of Creation Studies has a book list that is pretty long. Could it be used as just a stand-alone book without all the extra stuff to buy?
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Sonya – :
Hi, Ann. The 106 Days is not meant to be used as a stand-alone. It basically puts together a year of studies using books and other resources that are already published (or were at least available when I used them). I probably wouldn’t recommend it for your age students. I think it would be too easy for them.
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Amber – :
At what age do you recommend using the CGC book? Or what is considered an “older” child?
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Sonya – :
That answer really depends on the child, Amber. When I did the study with my children, I used CGC with my 3rd and 5th graders. But please do what works best with your child.
One way to tell might be to read through a few lessons in 106 Days and see if the Family suggestions are enough for your child or if he/she would want more. If more is desired, you would want to add the CGC suggestions for “older children.”
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Alexandria – :
I have a first grader. Could I use 106 Days of Creation Study with him this year and then next year use Considering God’s Creation? Or would that be repetitive?
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Sonya – :
It would repeat many of the same general topics, but the material would be different and more in-depth. So I think that would work, yes, if your 2nd grader was ready for it.
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stamptnineimage – :
So, if I were going to use 106 days of Creation this year, for my 1st grader (and my prek listener) and shouldnt use the other sciences CGC or apologia until 3rd grade, what would I use next year? Could 106 Days extend thru two years with help of unit studies? Thanks
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Sonya – :
I would think you can use the Apologia for elementary grades in 2nd grade. You wouldn’t have to wait until 3rd. Or just take a year and read living science books and have your child narrate them. You can search for living science books in our free CM Bookfinder, where you can specify school subject, grade level, topic, etc.
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Elise – :
How many pages are in this book?
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Friederike Lehrbass – :
I’m planning to use the 106 days next school year w/ my then 2nd grader and my almost 6 yr old( october). WIll I need to use CGC? or is it only for older children? If I use a book could I use one of the following instead:
- Exploring GOd’s creation
- Observing( or understanding) God’s world from Abeka
- wonders of creation series?
Thanks Friederike
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Sonya – :
Elise, there are 62 pages of lesson plans in the book.
Friederike, feel free to substitute books that you have available. The lesson plans incorporate CGC and show how to use it in the same order as the younger student’s studies, but I’m sure you could do that with any other book that goes through science in Creation order. I’m not personally familiar with the books you listed, so I can’t give you a detailed answer on them, unfortunately.
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Friederike Lehrbass – :
Thanks, you said as the younger students studies, does that mean CGC is only or mainly for older students? Thanks Friederike
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Sonya – :
Yes, I used it for my 3-6 graders. If you download the sample, you can see how the lesson plans are divided into what the whole Family does together and the additional assignments/activities for the Older Children to do. CGC is used only for the Older Children as an add-on.
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Friederike Lehrbass – :
Do you think I can start it w/ my 5 yr old too? May be if I do 1 lesson a week at first at least? He will be in 1st grade the coming school yr.
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Sonya – :
I think you could use 106 Days with your 5yo if you wanted to, yes. I know some other moms who have included their preschool children in the lessons along with their school-age children. They just adapted the plan ideas as needed.
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Friederike – :
CAn it also be used as Nature study or should that be separate?
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Sonya – :
The lessons have nature study focus ideas that you can use as desired.
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Sonia – :
In 2008 I used 106 days od creation and we added lots of stuff we done to our website you can view here..I highly recommend it..I have 6 children of varying ages and it worked beautifully for all ..we done 7 days online here is the link to days 1-3 http://joyfulhomaker.com/CTSearth.htm
and days 4 thru 7 here http://joyfulhomaker.com/CTSearth2.html
I personally learnt alot from this study as well as my children
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Megan – :
I’m so excited about using 106 days but I’m wondering if I should wait to start it until the year after this coming one. I’ll be homeschooling my daughter age 7 for 1st grade and my son will be 5 and in preK. Would you recommend going ahead with it this year and letting my 5 yr. old participate, or should I do something else this year with her and let them both do 106 days when they’re 6 and 8? If I wait, what would you recommend that I do with my 7 yr. old this year? I’m also wondering if it would be best to start with 106 days now because of what she’ll be studying in history – (starting with creation).
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Sonya – :
Several moms have told me that their younger children joined in to their 106 Days study and really enjoyed it. So I think it would work well for your 5yo and 7yo.
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Megan – :
One more question…where did you get the small sized field guides you show in the all day seminar dvd?
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Sonya – :
I think I picked them up at a local bookstore, but it looks like the same set of field guides is available through Amazon.
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Heather – :
I have a 7th and 5th grader ( and younger children). Do you think I could do Apologia General Science for both grades together (and let the little children watch the activities)?
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Sonya – :
I think the General Science course might be a little much for the 5th grade and younger children. You may need to have the 7th grader do that course on his/her own, then combine the younger children for a Jeannie Fulbright Apologia course.
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Linda – :
Yes, I agree with Sonya. Have your 7th grader do General Science on his own and do an Apologia course with your younger children. That’s what we are doing this coming year. I am planning to use Zoology 1, we have already done Botany and Astronomy. The courses can be done in whatever order you wish. For my older son, I am printing off a great schedule I found online for GS that will keep him on track.
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Whitney – :
I have a DS 6 yo, a DD 4 yo, and a DS 1 yo. How would I approach using 106 days for them? My DD would definitely try to participate in whatever the DS 6 does so when she hits first grade would I repeat 106 days with her or do something else?
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Sonya – :
Whitney, you could easily do the Family activities with your 6yo, and your 4yo could probably join in as desired. I’ve had several moms tell me that their preschoolers loved to participate in this study. Then if you move on to another science curriculum or just reading living science books, your younger one can join in on those too. (Our free Curriculum Guide gives suggestions for both.) You would not need to repeat 106 Days unless you wanted to later.
If you do want to repeat 106 Days, you could do so when your older child is about 5th grade and your younger is 3rd grade, then they could both do the additional assignments for Older Children.
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Sara – :
When I looked at “a typical schedule” under weekly schedules, I didn’t see any science for the 1st-3rd grade level in the schedule. I am thinking of using the 160 days of creation for my 1st and 3rd grader, but want to know how often during the week they would work on a science lesson, and why science isn’t added for those ages.
Also once we’ve completed the 160 days I gather from other comments on here that I wouldn’t do CGC next, since it seems to repeat much of what’s already taught in 160 days. So would I move on to Jeanne Fulbright’s science cirriculums next? Is it recommended to get through all of her 6 cirriculums?
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Sonya Shafer – :
Hi, Sara. Thanks for pointing out that Science was missing on the schedule for grades 1-3. I’ve fixed that now. For the 106 Days of Creation, the suggested pace is three days per week, but you can adjust that pace as desired.
You’re right, CGC is actually incorporated into the 106 Days lesson plans, recommended as additional work for the older children (approx. 4-6 grade). Our Science suggestions on the SCM Curriculum Guide should give you some ideas for future studies.
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jettlich – :
Hi Sonya and others: My oldest will be in 3rd grade next year. Do you think I should do the CGC supplement w/ her, or just stick w/ everyone doing 106 Days?
Also, if I do decide to take things up a level w/ my 3rd grader by adding the CGC part of it, do you think we could take as long as two years to do this 106 Days-(combined)-CGC study, if we really took the time to *sit* on some topics for a while, e.g., reading the Dillingham books and Burgess books where applicable, etc.?
Thanks.
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Sonya Shafer – :
Some of that decision depends on your child. If she loves science and likes to do cut-and-paste activities, CGC would probably be right up her alley.
Yes, you could easily expand the time-frame by adding in more living books as you go along, absolutely.
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Joy – :
Where can I find the Moody Videos? Our library does not have them. Are these the same videos that Vision Forum sells?
Thanks for your help.
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Sonya Shafer – :
The Links and Tips page for this book has more specific information on the videos, including places where we’ve seen them on sale.
It looks like some of the DVD titles are the same as what is listed on Vision Forum’s site, but I don’t see them all there.
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shellyanglin – :
Joy I bought the whole Moody set from CBD.com. Amazon has it too, but CBD was cheaper. Best investment!
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Jennifer Keithley – :
This looks so great. I’m putting together a homeschool science co-op. Could this be sustained for 2-4th grades? And I’m guessing since whole families can use it, the activities would work with seven or eight kids.(?) I’d appreciate any additional ideas that might work for a co-op instead of for one family.
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Doug Smith – :
There are resources and activities listed for multiple age ranges so it should work just fine.
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Breanna Stanek – :
I am wanting to combine a science for my 1st & 3rd grader and was wanting to know really where to start? Do I need to start with 106 Days of Creation Studies along with the CGC book? If this is where I need to start, do I need to purchase for both kids?
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Sonya Shafer – :
Hi, Breanna. You can start wherever you would like to. 106 Days would be fine; you wouldn’t need CGC unless you felt your third grader needed more of a challenge. I wouldn’t recommend CGC for your first grader.
You might select one of the Jeannie Fulbright books to do instead. They’re listed in the left column of the chart (linked to above) under 106 Days.
Any of those three approaches would be fine. It’s mainly a matter of preference and resources handy.
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cyndi60 – :
I have older children and we haven’t done anything formal for science. They are 12 and 14. I want to give them a “love” for science with their serious learning. I love the looks of the Fulbright books. The 14yr.old is fairly immature for her age. They need to learn all of the things that younger ones have learned about human anatomy etc.
What do you recommend? I also want to do a “Creation” study as well.
Thanks
Cyndi
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Sonya Shafer – :
If you already have Considering God’s Creation, you could just use that for your 12 and 14yo. The section on anatomy goes through each system of the body. Another possibility would be the new Anatomy course by Fulbright. I’ve heard that it is one of the more extensive courses of her set, so it would probably be a good fit for the ages of your children.
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cyndi60 – :
I forgot to mention that we have Considering God’s Creation but we have never gone through it.
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shellyanglin – :
Quick question….we are finishing this up. We meaning my 1st, 4th, and 7th grader. I thought about going through this again with them. What are your thoughts on that?
Can I just say from the bottom of my heart that I love you guys. You work so hard for the glory of God, and really stick to your beliefs. I appreciate that. My children are doing so well with your materials, and by me just following the CM standard. Thank you for your hard work, your time and your love of Christ.
Michelle
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Sonya Shafer – :
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, Michelle.
I’m thinking that going through the same study again would not be nearly as much fun as doing something different. You might take a look at the suggestions for science courses and living books on our SCM Curriculum Guide to give you some ideas of what to do next.
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Marie – :
Is there a list of the living books that are used with 106 Days of Creation? When I downloaded the free PDF sample it only showed the front and back cover and many blank pages in between and 2 had with just a vertical line on them:( Any help is much appreciated!
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Doug Smith – :
Yes, the sample book contains a list of all of the resources recommended. It sounds like you might need to update or reinstall your Adobe Reader software. You can download a free copy from http://www.adobe.com/go/EN_US-H-GET-READER.
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Marie – :
Thanks! That did the trick:)
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Tawnee – :
My 7 yo (who will be a 2nd grader per se this fall) and I will be switching to CM for next year (actually this year but formally next year). Anyway, as I’m planning out next year I was sure I wanted to do a Nature Study and looked at your Outdoor Secrets. But as I read more of this Creation book I’m trying to decide whether to start with Outdoor Secrets or 106 days of Creation. She is a good reader and avid artist and loves Nature. I know that CM is VERY heavy into the Nature Study (we did a little nature study this year for science but didn’t do it with the journal the CM way and I want to incorporate that). As I only have one at this point (my son will be 3 in the fall) which is a better place to start in your opinion as we begin our CM education (i plan to start at Year 1 even though we will be 2nd grade and just sub out some books that we have already covered).
Thanks.
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Sonya Shafer – :
I think I would recommend starting with Outdoor Secrets and its Companion guide this year. The 106 Days study can be expanded up through upper elementary, whereas Outdoor Secrets is geared more for the early elementary.
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Joy – :
My situation is much like Tawnee’s. My 7 yo will be a second grader in the fall and I have twins that will turn 3 in the fall. We are all in this homeschooling journey together, even though the twins aren’t “school age”. They all love to listen to me read. We are new to the CM method, but everything seems to “fit” in my mind for our family. I like the looks of Outdoor Secrets, but am afraid it might be too easy for my oldest. She is an excellent reader. But I also want something that can draw my twins in as well, the best we can:) I’ve looked (briefly) at Jeannie Fulbright’s books and they look wonderful everything does! So many decisions! What are your recommendations for the first few year or two?
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Sonya Shafer – :
You’re right, Joy. There are many wonderful choices for the first few years. In your situation it might be easiest to get something that you think might be too easy for the older one and then add to it as you go along. It’s usually easier to add to something than to try to simplify or take away from something more difficult. So if your younger ones are going to be joining you, I would suggest that you get something that might look a bit too easy and brainstorm some ideas of where you might add extra books, nature study, research, and narrations for your older one. Of course, you never know, something that looks like it would be too easy might be just right. The living science books listed on our free Curriculum Guide might give you some ideas too.
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Julie – :
I’m considering using 106 Days with my first and fourth graders next year. I live in Brazil so don’t have access to a library. If I purchase Considering God’s Creation, 101 Great Science Experiments and How Science Works, but only purchase a few of the other books mentioned, will I be able to do this study or will it be pointless without all the books mentioned? Any insights would be great. I love the looks of the study from the sample, but am just concerned about not having enough of the resources. We do own all he Moody Science dvds.
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Sonya Shafer – :
I think you would have a lovely study with the resources you mentioned. The main goal at this age is to introduce, encourage curiosity, and lay a foundation for future in-depth studies. It sounds like you would accomplish those goals well with the resources you would have on hand.
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Joy – :
Hi Sonya,
I’m getting my ducks in a row for next school year, and am searching high and low for the little book, Pink and Yellow, by Steig. My local library does not have it, and Amazon has it for $50.00 + dollars!!
I’m sure it’s because it’s a vintage book…..they are the best kind, but I just can’t bring myself to pay that much for a children’s book.
Is there another one you can recommend that is comparable, or perhaps know of another way I can find that book?
thanks so much, Joy FL
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Joy – :
Hi again,
just saw the post about the book in updates, etc.
will continue to check our local used book stores, and perhaps do the activity you suggested.
thanks!
Joy
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Carmen – :
Hi Sonya,
Do you suggest me using 106 days of creations for my 7.5 year-old and 5 year-old? I am a new homeschooling mom for less than a year. I would say I didn’t do really good job over the pass school year. So, my goal for the coming year is focus on narration and read lots of living books. My question is do you think I should follow exactly what the suggestion on curriculum guide or I should wait for a bit later on some subject like this one?
Thanks for your help!
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Sonya Shafer – :
Carmen, I’ve had several moms tells me that they included their younger children in the 106 Days study and it went well. So I would think you could do it easily with your 7.5 year old and 5 year old.
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chan3mui – :
Thank you for your reply. I finally bought outdoor secrets and the outdoor secrets companion instead, do you think I still need 106 days of creations studies? or I can wait one more year?
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Sonya Shafer – :
That sounds great! Outdoor Secrets should work well for the ages of your children, and 106 Days can wait until next year.
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Evalyn – :
I’m starting CM this year with my 6-year-old, for 1st Grade (we did an eclectic approach this year for K). I’ll also include my 4-year-old as much as possible.
106 Days looks great but one of my concerns is that, in looking through the Resources Page, there are 24 additional items needed (not including the ones marked as optional.) Are all of these needed?
We are getting ready to move overseas, where our options are limited – we will not have access to a library, we have limited space to take books with us, and we will not be able to ship many, if any, over.
Do you have another recommendation? Would Outdoor Secrets and the Companion be a better option?
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Sonya Shafer – :
The additional resources in both of those studies assume you will have access to a library or another way to get them. Now, we always encourage you to use what you have on hand and feel free to make substitutions. So you don’t have to use the exact titles we recommend, but some sort of additional resources like those listed will round out your study.
The Outdoor Secrets Companion has a much shorter list, or you could just read Outdoor Secrets aloud and not do the Companion study. And if you got the e-book version of Outdoor Secrets, it would be very lightweight for traveling overseas.
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JeniRae – :
I want to do this curriculum with my 6th and 3rd grader. Would it be too easy for the 6th grader?
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Sonya Shafer – :
If you do the additional assignments for older students that are outlined in the lesson plans, using Considering God’s Creation, it should be fine for a 6th grader.
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barbra – :
Hi,
This is the first year that our family will be using a CM, we have homeschooled before but with the traditional method. I have a k5 and a 3rd grader.
I would like some advice, please? Do you recommend we start with the 106 days of creation, with apologia or would you recommend something else, since this would be the first time we try doing both kids at the same time. Honestly I am afraid of making a mistake or not being able to do it right.
Thank you!
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Sonya Shafer – :
Hi, barbra. I think either 106 Days or one of the Apologia courses would be fine. Download the sample of 106 Days and take a look inside the Apologia courses and see which one you think would work best for this year. Don’t worry. Science is a topic-based subject; that means you can learn about the various topics in any order during the elementary years. If you select an option that looks interesting to you, as well as your oldest, you will be able to help shape a positive attitude toward learning about God’s creation. That’s probably the most important thing you need to do during these early grades. Time outside to whet the appetite for learning plus interesting books about the things around them is a winning combination. You’re going to do just fine.
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letty luna – :
Hi, Sonya My friend gave me the 106 Days of Creation Studies and I want to do it with my 2grader what else do I need .Thanks Letty (need help)
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Sonya Shafer – :
Hi, Letty. Check the Resources Needed list on pages 10-12. (You can also see that list by downloading the free sample here.) And be sure to check your library. Many of those books on the list were ones I found at my library. If you can’t find the exact title, feel free to substitute a different living book on the same topic.
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letty luna – :
Thanks Sonya should I also do Create your own Book of centuries or is it to much for my 6yr.Thanks Letty
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Sonya Shafer – :
You could do a family Book of Centuries, but I think 6 years old is a bit young to have to maintain a separate one.
Holly – :
Are there hands-on activities to do with each chapter? I like that this year’s study seems to be an overview of all types of science!
Sonya – :
It is a combination of hands-on activities, good books, nature study, and making a Creation notebook. The free sample should give you a good “taste” of what the lessons are like.
lanette – :
do we use the exact same curriculum for 1-3rd grades? I did the whole curriculum for my first grader and just wondered if we just repeat.
Sonya – :
I would recommend you move on to something different, Lanette. You might try one of Jeannie Fulbright’s science courses for elementary students.
Joanna – :
I have one 4th grader and one 8th grader, and want to combine as much as possible. How would I do that with Science, choose something different??
Sonya – :
Joanna, I don’t think I would recommend this study for an 8th grader. You might combine your children with a Jeannie Fulbright course (linked to in an above post). There are also several science courses mentioned in a recent science thread on our forum that might give you some more ideas.
Noelle – :
I’m considering using 106 days of creation studies for 4 of my kids (grades 5, 3, 2, K). Does it matter which edition of Considering God’s Creation I would get? (I might be able to borrow it, but it wouldn’t be the revised edition.) Would each student (5th, 3rd) need their own corresponding workbook? Thanks for your help and I love the look of your science curriculum!
Sonya – :
Each older student would need his or her own copy of Considering God’s Creation. The pages from the student book are used in each student’s Creation Notebook. About the only way you could share a book is if the older students worked together to make one Creation Notebook between them, I guess.
I’m afraid I haven’t seen the newer editions of CGC, so I don’t know whether they were significantly changed. The instructions in 106 Days correspond to the edition I had when we did the study. I haven’t heard from anyone that the instructions didn’t work with a newer edition, though, so I would think it would be fine.
Nichole Wise – :
So I have looked at the sample pages and if we have done CGC (portions of it) then 106 Days of Creation would be a repeat of using CGC with some other ideas thrown in? If we have done CGC, would you recommend moving on to Jeanne Fulbright’s books for a 3rd grader? Or do you have any other reccommendations?
Sonya – :
Yes, I think if you’ve already done Considering God’s Creation, go ahead and look at the Jeanne Fulbright books.
Kim – :
I am interested in the 106 Days of Creation study. I am not sure if I should be supplementing with the complete program of CGC or just the workbook. What is your recomendation?
Sonya – :
The lesson plans direct you to use pages from the student workbook, but you may want the teacher book also for the answers.
Ann – :
We used Exploring God’s Creation through Astronomy last year. It was our first year with CM. I have a 10yo and a 13yo – basically 5th and 7th grade. I saw that this 106 Days of Creation Studies has a book list that is pretty long. Could it be used as just a stand-alone book without all the extra stuff to buy?
Sonya – :
Hi, Ann. The 106 Days is not meant to be used as a stand-alone. It basically puts together a year of studies using books and other resources that are already published (or were at least available when I used them). I probably wouldn’t recommend it for your age students. I think it would be too easy for them.
Amber – :
At what age do you recommend using the CGC book? Or what is considered an “older” child?
Sonya – :
That answer really depends on the child, Amber. When I did the study with my children, I used CGC with my 3rd and 5th graders. But please do what works best with your child.
One way to tell might be to read through a few lessons in 106 Days and see if the Family suggestions are enough for your child or if he/she would want more. If more is desired, you would want to add the CGC suggestions for “older children.”
Alexandria – :
I have a first grader. Could I use 106 Days of Creation Study with him this year and then next year use Considering God’s Creation? Or would that be repetitive?
Sonya – :
It would repeat many of the same general topics, but the material would be different and more in-depth. So I think that would work, yes, if your 2nd grader was ready for it.
stamptnineimage – :
So, if I were going to use 106 days of Creation this year, for my 1st grader (and my prek listener) and shouldnt use the other sciences CGC or apologia until 3rd grade, what would I use next year? Could 106 Days extend thru two years with help of unit studies? Thanks
Sonya – :
I would think you can use the Apologia for elementary grades in 2nd grade. You wouldn’t have to wait until 3rd. Or just take a year and read living science books and have your child narrate them. You can search for living science books in our free CM Bookfinder, where you can specify school subject, grade level, topic, etc.
Elise – :
How many pages are in this book?
Friederike Lehrbass – :
I’m planning to use the 106 days next school year w/ my then 2nd grader and my almost 6 yr old( october). WIll I need to use CGC? or is it only for older children? If I use a book could I use one of the following instead:
- Exploring GOd’s creation
- Observing( or understanding) God’s world from Abeka
- wonders of creation series?
Thanks Friederike
Sonya – :
Elise, there are 62 pages of lesson plans in the book.
Friederike, feel free to substitute books that you have available. The lesson plans incorporate CGC and show how to use it in the same order as the younger student’s studies, but I’m sure you could do that with any other book that goes through science in Creation order. I’m not personally familiar with the books you listed, so I can’t give you a detailed answer on them, unfortunately.
Friederike Lehrbass – :
Thanks, you said as the younger students studies, does that mean CGC is only or mainly for older students? Thanks Friederike
Sonya – :
Yes, I used it for my 3-6 graders. If you download the sample, you can see how the lesson plans are divided into what the whole Family does together and the additional assignments/activities for the Older Children to do. CGC is used only for the Older Children as an add-on.
Friederike Lehrbass – :
Do you think I can start it w/ my 5 yr old too? May be if I do 1 lesson a week at first at least? He will be in 1st grade the coming school yr.
Sonya – :
I think you could use 106 Days with your 5yo if you wanted to, yes. I know some other moms who have included their preschool children in the lessons along with their school-age children. They just adapted the plan ideas as needed.
Friederike – :
CAn it also be used as Nature study or should that be separate?
Sonya – :
The lessons have nature study focus ideas that you can use as desired.
Sonia – :
In 2008 I used 106 days od creation and we added lots of stuff we done to our website you can view here..I highly recommend it..I have 6 children of varying ages and it worked beautifully for all ..we done 7 days online here is the link to days 1-3
http://joyfulhomaker.com/CTSearth.htm
and days 4 thru 7 here http://joyfulhomaker.com/CTSearth2.html
I personally learnt alot from this study as well as my children
Megan – :
I’m so excited about using 106 days but I’m wondering if I should wait to start it until the year after this coming one. I’ll be homeschooling my daughter age 7 for 1st grade and my son will be 5 and in preK. Would you recommend going ahead with it this year and letting my 5 yr. old participate, or should I do something else this year with her and let them both do 106 days when they’re 6 and 8? If I wait, what would you recommend that I do with my 7 yr. old this year? I’m also wondering if it would be best to start with 106 days now because of what she’ll be studying in history – (starting with creation).
Sonya – :
Several moms have told me that their younger children joined in to their 106 Days study and really enjoyed it. So I think it would work well for your 5yo and 7yo.
Megan – :
One more question…where did you get the small sized field guides you show in the all day seminar dvd?
Sonya – :
I think I picked them up at a local bookstore, but it looks like the same set of field guides is available through Amazon.
Heather – :
I have a 7th and 5th grader ( and younger children). Do you think I could do Apologia General Science for both grades together (and let the little children watch the activities)?
Sonya – :
I think the General Science course might be a little much for the 5th grade and younger children. You may need to have the 7th grader do that course on his/her own, then combine the younger children for a Jeannie Fulbright Apologia course.
Linda – :
Yes, I agree with Sonya. Have your 7th grader do General Science on his own and do an Apologia course with your younger children. That’s what we are doing this coming year. I am planning to use Zoology 1, we have already done Botany and Astronomy. The courses can be done in whatever order you wish. For my older son, I am printing off a great schedule I found online for GS that will keep him on track.
Whitney – :
I have a DS 6 yo, a DD 4 yo, and a DS 1 yo. How would I approach using 106 days for them? My DD would definitely try to participate in whatever the DS 6 does so when she hits first grade would I repeat 106 days with her or do something else?
Sonya – :
Whitney, you could easily do the Family activities with your 6yo, and your 4yo could probably join in as desired. I’ve had several moms tell me that their preschoolers loved to participate in this study. Then if you move on to another science curriculum or just reading living science books, your younger one can join in on those too. (Our free Curriculum Guide gives suggestions for both.) You would not need to repeat 106 Days unless you wanted to later.
If you do want to repeat 106 Days, you could do so when your older child is about 5th grade and your younger is 3rd grade, then they could both do the additional assignments for Older Children.
Sara – :
When I looked at “a typical schedule” under weekly schedules, I didn’t see any science for the 1st-3rd grade level in the schedule. I am thinking of using the 160 days of creation for my 1st and 3rd grader, but want to know how often during the week they would work on a science lesson, and why science isn’t added for those ages.
Also once we’ve completed the 160 days I gather from other comments on here that I wouldn’t do CGC next, since it seems to repeat much of what’s already taught in 160 days. So would I move on to Jeanne Fulbright’s science cirriculums next? Is it recommended to get through all of her 6 cirriculums?
Sonya Shafer – :
Hi, Sara. Thanks for pointing out that Science was missing on the schedule for grades 1-3. I’ve fixed that now. For the 106 Days of Creation, the suggested pace is three days per week, but you can adjust that pace as desired.
You’re right, CGC is actually incorporated into the 106 Days lesson plans, recommended as additional work for the older children (approx. 4-6 grade). Our Science suggestions on the SCM Curriculum Guide should give you some ideas for future studies.
jettlich – :
Hi Sonya and others: My oldest will be in 3rd grade next year. Do you think I should do the CGC supplement w/ her, or just stick w/ everyone doing 106 Days?
Also, if I do decide to take things up a level w/ my 3rd grader by adding the CGC part of it, do you think we could take as long as two years to do this 106 Days-(combined)-CGC study, if we really took the time to *sit* on some topics for a while, e.g., reading the Dillingham books and Burgess books where applicable, etc.?
Thanks.
Sonya Shafer – :
Some of that decision depends on your child. If she loves science and likes to do cut-and-paste activities, CGC would probably be right up her alley.
Yes, you could easily expand the time-frame by adding in more living books as you go along, absolutely.
Joy – :
Where can I find the Moody Videos? Our library does not have them. Are these the same videos that Vision Forum sells?
Thanks for your help.
Sonya Shafer – :
The Links and Tips page for this book has more specific information on the videos, including places where we’ve seen them on sale.
It looks like some of the DVD titles are the same as what is listed on Vision Forum’s site, but I don’t see them all there.
shellyanglin – :
Joy I bought the whole Moody set from CBD.com. Amazon has it too, but CBD was cheaper. Best investment!
Jennifer Keithley – :
This looks so great. I’m putting together a homeschool science co-op. Could this be sustained for 2-4th grades? And I’m guessing since whole families can use it, the activities would work with seven or eight kids.(?) I’d appreciate any additional ideas that might work for a co-op instead of for one family.
Doug Smith – :
There are resources and activities listed for multiple age ranges so it should work just fine.
Breanna Stanek – :
I am wanting to combine a science for my 1st & 3rd grader and was wanting to know really where to start? Do I need to start with 106 Days of Creation Studies along with the CGC book? If this is where I need to start, do I need to purchase for both kids?
Sonya Shafer – :
Hi, Breanna. You can start wherever you would like to. 106 Days would be fine; you wouldn’t need CGC unless you felt your third grader needed more of a challenge. I wouldn’t recommend CGC for your first grader.
Or you might want to just read some of the living science books we recommend, along with nature study.
You might select one of the Jeannie Fulbright books to do instead. They’re listed in the left column of the chart (linked to above) under 106 Days.
Any of those three approaches would be fine. It’s mainly a matter of preference and resources handy.
cyndi60 – :
I have older children and we haven’t done anything formal for science. They are 12 and 14. I want to give them a “love” for science with their serious learning. I love the looks of the Fulbright books. The 14yr.old is fairly immature for her age. They need to learn all of the things that younger ones have learned about human anatomy etc.
What do you recommend? I also want to do a “Creation” study as well.
Thanks
Cyndi
Sonya Shafer – :
If you already have Considering God’s Creation, you could just use that for your 12 and 14yo. The section on anatomy goes through each system of the body. Another possibility would be the new Anatomy course by Fulbright. I’ve heard that it is one of the more extensive courses of her set, so it would probably be a good fit for the ages of your children.
cyndi60 – :
I forgot to mention that we have Considering God’s Creation but we have never gone through it.
shellyanglin – :
Quick question….we are finishing this up. We meaning my 1st, 4th, and 7th grader. I thought about going through this again with them. What are your thoughts on that?
Can I just say from the bottom of my heart that I love you guys. You work so hard for the glory of God, and really stick to your beliefs. I appreciate that. My children are doing so well with your materials, and by me just following the CM standard. Thank you for your hard work, your time and your love of Christ.
Michelle
Sonya Shafer – :
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, Michelle.
I’m thinking that going through the same study again would not be nearly as much fun as doing something different. You might take a look at the suggestions for science courses and living books on our SCM Curriculum Guide to give you some ideas of what to do next.
Marie – :
Is there a list of the living books that are used with 106 Days of Creation? When I downloaded the free PDF sample it only showed the front and back cover and many blank pages in between and 2 had with just a vertical line on them:( Any help is much appreciated!
Doug Smith – :
Yes, the sample book contains a list of all of the resources recommended. It sounds like you might need to update or reinstall your Adobe Reader software. You can download a free copy from http://www.adobe.com/go/EN_US-H-GET-READER.
Marie – :
Thanks! That did the trick:)
Tawnee – :
My 7 yo (who will be a 2nd grader per se this fall) and I will be switching to CM for next year (actually this year but formally next year). Anyway, as I’m planning out next year I was sure I wanted to do a Nature Study and looked at your Outdoor Secrets. But as I read more of this Creation book I’m trying to decide whether to start with Outdoor Secrets or 106 days of Creation. She is a good reader and avid artist and loves Nature. I know that CM is VERY heavy into the Nature Study (we did a little nature study this year for science but didn’t do it with the journal the CM way and I want to incorporate that). As I only have one at this point (my son will be 3 in the fall) which is a better place to start in your opinion as we begin our CM education (i plan to start at Year 1 even though we will be 2nd grade and just sub out some books that we have already covered).
Thanks.
Sonya Shafer – :
I think I would recommend starting with Outdoor Secrets and its Companion guide this year. The 106 Days study can be expanded up through upper elementary, whereas Outdoor Secrets is geared more for the early elementary.
Joy – :
My situation is much like Tawnee’s. My 7 yo will be a second grader in the fall and I have twins that will turn 3 in the fall. We are all in this homeschooling journey together, even though the twins aren’t “school age”. They all love to listen to me read. We are new to the CM method, but everything seems to “fit” in my mind for our family. I like the looks of Outdoor Secrets, but am afraid it might be too easy for my oldest. She is an excellent reader. But I also want something that can draw my twins in as well, the best we can:) I’ve looked (briefly) at Jeannie Fulbright’s books and they look wonderful everything does! So many decisions! What are your recommendations for the first few year or two?
Sonya Shafer – :
You’re right, Joy. There are many wonderful choices for the first few years. In your situation it might be easiest to get something that you think might be too easy for the older one and then add to it as you go along. It’s usually easier to add to something than to try to simplify or take away from something more difficult. So if your younger ones are going to be joining you, I would suggest that you get something that might look a bit too easy and brainstorm some ideas of where you might add extra books, nature study, research, and narrations for your older one. Of course, you never know, something that looks like it would be too easy might be just right. The living science books listed on our free Curriculum Guide might give you some ideas too.
Julie – :
I’m considering using 106 Days with my first and fourth graders next year. I live in Brazil so don’t have access to a library. If I purchase Considering God’s Creation, 101 Great Science Experiments and How Science Works, but only purchase a few of the other books mentioned, will I be able to do this study or will it be pointless without all the books mentioned? Any insights would be great. I love the looks of the study from the sample, but am just concerned about not having enough of the resources. We do own all he Moody Science dvds.
Sonya Shafer – :
I think you would have a lovely study with the resources you mentioned. The main goal at this age is to introduce, encourage curiosity, and lay a foundation for future in-depth studies. It sounds like you would accomplish those goals well with the resources you would have on hand.
Joy – :
Hi Sonya,
I’m getting my ducks in a row for next school year, and am searching high and low for the little book, Pink and Yellow, by Steig. My local library does not have it, and Amazon has it for $50.00 + dollars!!
I’m sure it’s because it’s a vintage book…..they are the best kind, but I just can’t bring myself to pay that much for a children’s book.
Is there another one you can recommend that is comparable, or perhaps know of another way I can find that book?
thanks so much, Joy FL
Joy – :
Hi again,
just saw the post about the book in updates, etc.
will continue to check our local used book stores, and perhaps do the activity you suggested.
thanks!
Joy
Carmen – :
Hi Sonya,
Do you suggest me using 106 days of creations for my 7.5 year-old and 5 year-old? I am a new homeschooling mom for less than a year. I would say I didn’t do really good job over the pass school year. So, my goal for the coming year is focus on narration and read lots of living books. My question is do you think I should follow exactly what the suggestion on curriculum guide or I should wait for a bit later on some subject like this one?
Thanks for your help!
Sonya Shafer – :
Carmen, I’ve had several moms tells me that they included their younger children in the 106 Days study and it went well. So I would think you could do it easily with your 7.5 year old and 5 year old.
chan3mui – :
Thank you for your reply. I finally bought outdoor secrets and the outdoor secrets companion instead, do you think I still need 106 days of creations studies? or I can wait one more year?
Sonya Shafer – :
That sounds great! Outdoor Secrets should work well for the ages of your children, and 106 Days can wait until next year.
Evalyn – :
I’m starting CM this year with my 6-year-old, for 1st Grade (we did an eclectic approach this year for K). I’ll also include my 4-year-old as much as possible.
106 Days looks great but one of my concerns is that, in looking through the Resources Page, there are 24 additional items needed (not including the ones marked as optional.) Are all of these needed?
We are getting ready to move overseas, where our options are limited – we will not have access to a library, we have limited space to take books with us, and we will not be able to ship many, if any, over.
Do you have another recommendation? Would Outdoor Secrets and the Companion be a better option?
Sonya Shafer – :
The additional resources in both of those studies assume you will have access to a library or another way to get them. Now, we always encourage you to use what you have on hand and feel free to make substitutions. So you don’t have to use the exact titles we recommend, but some sort of additional resources like those listed will round out your study.
The Outdoor Secrets Companion has a much shorter list, or you could just read Outdoor Secrets aloud and not do the Companion study. And if you got the e-book version of Outdoor Secrets, it would be very lightweight for traveling overseas.
JeniRae – :
I want to do this curriculum with my 6th and 3rd grader. Would it be too easy for the 6th grader?
Sonya Shafer – :
If you do the additional assignments for older students that are outlined in the lesson plans, using Considering God’s Creation, it should be fine for a 6th grader.
barbra – :
Hi,
This is the first year that our family will be using a CM, we have homeschooled before but with the traditional method. I have a k5 and a 3rd grader.
I would like some advice, please? Do you recommend we start with the 106 days of creation, with apologia or would you recommend something else, since this would be the first time we try doing both kids at the same time. Honestly I am afraid of making a mistake or not being able to do it right.
Thank you!
Sonya Shafer – :
Hi, barbra. I think either 106 Days or one of the Apologia courses would be fine. Download the sample of 106 Days and take a look inside the Apologia courses and see which one you think would work best for this year. Don’t worry. Science is a topic-based subject; that means you can learn about the various topics in any order during the elementary years. If you select an option that looks interesting to you, as well as your oldest, you will be able to help shape a positive attitude toward learning about God’s creation. That’s probably the most important thing you need to do during these early grades. Time outside to whet the appetite for learning plus interesting books about the things around them is a winning combination. You’re going to do just fine.
letty luna – :
Hi, Sonya My friend gave me the 106 Days of Creation Studies and I want to do it with my 2grader what else do I need .Thanks Letty (need help)
Sonya Shafer – :
Hi, Letty. Check the Resources Needed list on pages 10-12. (You can also see that list by downloading the free sample here.) And be sure to check your library. Many of those books on the list were ones I found at my library. If you can’t find the exact title, feel free to substitute a different living book on the same topic.
letty luna – :
Thanks Sonya should I also do Create your own Book of centuries or is it to much for my 6yr.Thanks Letty
Sonya Shafer – :
You could do a family Book of Centuries, but I think 6 years old is a bit young to have to maintain a separate one.